For your tastebuds: I made this fresh strawberry pound cake to take to my grandmother's birthday party. It was SO delicious. Light and fluffy. Just the right hint of lemon coupled with fresh strawberries.

For your literary endeavors: I just finished devouring the Percy Jackson and the Olympians book series. Yes, I know they're meant for pre-teens, but if you like action, adventure and fantasy rolled into one, this series is for you. I am excited to re-read this in a few years with Toph. It will be a perfect way to learn Greek mythology.

For your creative side: I love this colorful bracelet. It seems easy enough to make...of course, I say this now. I'm sure I'll sit down to make it and find a million different ways to mess it up!

For your heart: These days I have been battling a niggling fear of loss. Sometimes my mind just goes there, especially when I think about the losses others around me have had to endure. I think to myself, "my time is coming..." These words fill my spirit with hope and remind me not to fear.

For your information: Today is my Meme's 83rd birthday. She is the mother of four, grandmother to eight, great-grandmother to ten. She is the matriarch of a proud ranching family, the original pioneer woman. She has lived the last 25 years as a widow and still visits my grandfather's grave every week. She has kept a diary since she was 19 years old. She has boxes and boxes of spiral notebooks, housing her thoughts of the past 64 years. She doesn't make pancakes as often as she used to, but when she does, they are as fabulous as they were when I was six. I am so proud to be her granddaughter and her namesake. Happy birthday, Meme! I love you very much.